Mini muddy marvels enjoy rugby festival fun

Chichester and Bognor's under-tens battle it out in the Oaklands Park mud Picture by Chris Pinchbeck

Published:13:44Friday 18 March 2011

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Like gladiators in Roman times, Sussex’s finest young rugby players converged on Chichester to compete in their West Sussex festival.

Youngsters aged six to 12 arrived at a damp Oaklands Park and produced some of the best performances ever seen at the festival.

“The levels of commitment, teamwork and fun were inspiring,” commented Alan Sizmur, one of the organisers.

The festival is now the largest single sporting event for children in the whole of Sussex and was organised seamlessly.

“I’m so proud of the team of volunteers who have delivered this. People were in the park since first light to ensure all the children go away with wonderful memories. My thanks to them all,” said Andrew Sweet, tournament organiser.

All the finals were keenly contested with draws at under-seven and under-nine.

Chichester under-tens (pictured right) retained the county crown they’d won as under-nines.

Prizes were presented by Chichester mayor Michael Woolley.

Each age-group winning team was crowned West Sussex champions and will go on to contest the Sussex Championship.